Eraserheads
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Quezon City, Philippines |
| Headquarters | Quezon City , Philippines |
Area served | Philippines, Southeast Asia, international tours |
Key people | Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 4 (band members) |
Eraserheads (occasionally presented as ƎRASERHEADS or ƎRASƎRHƎADS) is a Filipino rock ensemble that originated in Quezon City in 1989. The group consists of lead vocalist and chief songwriter Ely Buendia, guitarist Marcus Adoro, bassist Buddy Zabala, and drummer Raimund Marasigan. Frequently dubbed the "the Beatles of the Philippines," they rank among the nation's most impactful and commercially successful bands.
Their initial release, Ultraelectromagneticpop! (1993), received both critical praise and robust sales figures. Follow-up albums Circus (1994) and Cutterpillow (1995) played a significant role in igniting a resurgence of Philippine rock groups during the 1990s. In 1997, they earned MTV Asia’s Viewers Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards held in New York City, making them the sole Filipino act to win this honor prior to the establishment of the MTV Asia Awards.
After releasing the Christmas-themed album Fruitcake (1996), Eraserheads ventured into electronic and art rock genres with subsequent albums Sticker Happy (1997), Natin99 (1999), and Carbon Stereoxide (2001). The band parted ways in 2002, with each member pursuing individual successful careers. They reunited for live performances in 2008 and have since made sporadic appearances both locally and internationally.
1989–1992: Formation and early years
The band members crossed paths at University of the Philippines Diliman in 1989. Ely Buendia, who had experience with previous collegiate bands, posted an audition notice that was answered by drummer Raimund Marasigan, bassist Buddy Zabala, and guitarist Marcus Adoro, all formerly part of a group named Curfew. They adopted the name Eraserheads inspired by David Lynch's 1977 film Eraserhead.
Initially performing at university events without much recognition, they were encouraged by Jett Pangan of The Dawn to pursue professional auditions. On January 26, 1991, they recorded a nine-track demo at Marasigan's garage, drawing influences from The Cure, ska, and reggae. Although record labels initially declined their demos citing insufficient pop appeal, their humanities professor Robin Rivera assisted them in re-recording and mixing new demos called Pop-U! as a rebuttal to critics.
This demo helped them secure gigs at Club Dredd where their original songs developed a loyal fanbase; notably, "Pare Ko" gained attention for its candid lyrics. They also opened for established bands such as Introvoys during shows in Cebu.
While Ely Buendia worked as a copywriter for BMG, he continued composing songs with the band. Their efforts caught the eye of BMG A&R director Vic Valenciano who recognized their potential despite their unpolished sound. Consequently, BMG signed Eraserheads to a three-year recording contract in 1992.
1993–1996: Mainstream success
In early 1993, Eraserheads recorded their first album, Ultraelectromagneticpop!, incorporating several tracks reworked from Pop-U!. Released by BMG in July that year, it sold approximately 300,000 copies by the end of 1993. The song “Pare Ko” stirred controversy due to explicit content, prompting an unsuccessful attempt at censorship by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). The album featured both original and edited versions—the latter titled “Walang Hiyang Pare Ko” but excluded from the 25th anniversary reissue.
The band performed at the 43rd Miss Universe pageant held in Pasay City in May 1994. Later that year, in November, they held their inaugural major concert titled "Eraserheads Jamboree" at Manila's Folk Arts Theater coinciding with the release of their sophomore album Circus. This record achieved quintuple platinum certification and included popular singles such as "Kailan," "Minsan," "Magasin," "Alapaap," and "With a Smile." The track "Alapaap" faced allegations of drug references which the band refuted, describing it instead as an "ode to freedom."
In July 1995, Eraserheads appeared portraying themselves in the comedy film Run Barbi Run, also contributing its theme song. Their third album Cutterpillow was launched in December through a free open-air concert event. It became their fastest-selling release, achieving double platinum status within one week by selling 80,000 copies. Key tracks included "Overdrive," "Huwag Mo Nang Itanong," "Torpedo," and "Ang Huling El Bimbo," whose music video debuted in February 1996. Following this release, they embarked on a nationwide tour promoting the album.
In January 1996, Eraserheads served as opening acts for Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, and Beastie Boys during MTV Asia’s Alternative Nation tour stop in Manila. Their fourth studio effort, Fruitcake, was a Christmas concept album featuring exclusively English-language songs released in December. It quickly attained triple platinum certification within a month with sales reaching 120,000 copies and was accompanied by a companion storybook published the following year.
Expanding internationally
In 1997, the group commenced their overseas tours, making their international debut at BMG Records' Sentosa Pop Festival in Singapore during March. By May, they had entered the American music scene with performances across various venues in California. That September, they earned the MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award for their "Ang Huling El Bimbo" music video at the MTV Video Music Awards hosted at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, marking the first time a Filipino artist received this distinction.
During the same month, their fifth studio album, Sticker Happy, was launched, achieving sales of 120,000 units. This record explored new sonic territories such as techno and experimental rock, incorporating a wide range of instruments and guitar effects. Buendia’s enigmatic songwriting was evident on tracks like “Kaliwete”, “Spoliarium”, and “Para sa Masa”.
In February 1998, the band represented the Philippines at Asia Live Dream '98 for NHK in Tokyo, Japan. Following this, they toured the United States to promote Sticker Happy under Happy Box's production. August saw the release of their compilation album Aloha Milkyway, aimed at Southeast Asian audiences and featuring five new tracks like "Julie Tearjerky" and "Tamagotchi Baby", alongside selected English songs from earlier albums. Promotional activities included tours in Singapore (September) and Australia (April 1999).
Their sixth studio effort, Natin99, was unveiled in May 1999. The album was recorded using a nonlinear approach and reflected increased creative contributions from members other than Buendia, who penned singles such as "Maselang Bahaghari" and "Huwag Kang Matakot". In November, they performed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sharing the stage with rapper Francis M..
January 2000 featured a collaboration with APO Hiking Society at Nescafé's Open Up Party held in Bonifacio Global City. Between May and June that year, they returned to the US for another tour with shows in New York, Chicago, and California. Their seventh and final studio album, Carbon Stereoxide, was released in March 2001.
Buendia’s exit, new frontman, and dissolution
In March 2002, Buendia parted ways with Eraserheads. Adoro disclosed that Buendia had sent an ambiguous text stating “it’s graduation time,” alluding to his senior status at UP. In a 2021 podcast, Buendia clarified that although their working relationship remained positive, he disagreed with critiques regarding the band’s internal dynamics.
The remaining members introduced Kris Gorra-Dancel from Fatal Posporos as their new lead vocalist during a performance at Hard Rock Manila in April, rebranding themselves as “EHeads.” In August, they released a promotional EP titled Please Transpose, which included the single “U Make Me” accompanied by a music video directed by Marie Jamora. After Adoro’s departure in November, Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree and Diego Mapa of Monsterbot joined, leading to another name change to Cambio, effectively marking Eraserheads’ end.
2003–2007: Post-breakup period
In November 2003, Eraserheads were honored with the Hall of Fame award at the tenth edition of the NU Rock Awards, accepted by Buendia who performed alongside his band the Mongols. By May 2004, Adoro—performing as Surfernando—joined Zabala and Marasigan for an impromptu jam session at UP's Millennia Club.
The inaugural tribute album dedicated to Eraserheads, titled Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music of the Eraserheads, was released in 2005. While Buendia appreciated this homage, he believed it was premature given his ongoing creative endeavors; he contributed to the album through Francis M.’s reimagined version of “Superproxy,” renamed “Superproxy 2K6”.
February 2007 saw the launch of Tikman ang Langit: An Anthology on the Eraserheads in Makati, featuring acoustic sets by Cambio and Markus Highway (Adoro’s project), marking the first occasion where members performed together since disbanding. Buendia was absent due to medical reasons. Later that July, Eraserheads were scheduled for a live event alongside Teeth, Rivermaya, and Parokya ni Edgar at Saguijo Bar; however, Buendia and Adoro were unable to attend owing to separate engagements.
2008–2009: The Reunion Concert and The Final Set
In July 2008, the group announced plans for a reunion concert initially set for August 30 at the CCP Open Grounds. The event was first backed by Philip Morris, but the company withdrew its sponsorship after being charged by the Philippine Department of Health for breaching the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which bans tobacco companies from sponsoring artistic events. Subsequently, Radiohead Productions took over promotion duties, relocating the concert to the Bonifacio Global City Open Grounds in Taguig, where tickets were made available.
Jazz Nicolas from Itchyworms participated as a session musician. The concert was unexpectedly cut short when Buendia was hospitalized due to chest pains and later underwent angioplasty. Following this, the remaining band members performed a second set at Saguijo featuring Ebe Dancel as lead vocalist. This performance was later issued as both a live album and a concert film within the same year.
In January 2009, the band revealed plans for another reunion concert, this time produced by MTV Philippines. Named The Final Set, this sold-out show occurred on March 7 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds in Pasay City, attracting approximately 100,000 fans. During the event, the band honored Francis M., who had passed away the day before and was originally scheduled to perform. The concert was broadcast as a television special on GMA Network in April. Additionally, in February 2009, Eraserheads were honored with the Myx Magna Award, which Marasigan accepted on behalf of the group.
2010s: International tours, Sabado/1995
The group launched a reunion tour across North America in 2012, with concerts held in California, Jersey City, and Toronto. Their international appearances included two shows in Dubai, a 2013 performance in Singapore, and a 2014 concert in London.
That same year, Star Music issued The Reunion: An Eraserheads Tribute Album, serving as the official soundtrack for the Star Cinema movie The Reunion.
September 2014 saw the release of two fresh tracks by the band, “Sabado” and “1995”, which debuted in Esquire. The band also surprised attendees with a live performance at the magazine’s launch event held in Makati.
In June 2016, Eraserheads came together once more for a live show during the rebranding event of PLDT and Smart Communications, subsequently featuring in a promotional campaign for Smart.
July 2018 marked the premiere of Ang Huling El Bimbo, a stage musical based on their songs, at Resorts World Manila. Buendia publicly supported the production, commending how it wove their music into the narrative.
Buendia’s label, Offshore Music, re-released the band’s first three albums with remastering by Bernie Grundman, later making these editions available on vinyl. Concurrently, Marasigan, Zabala, and Adoro formed Ultracombo in 2019; however, Adoro departed soon after its inception.
2022-present: Huling El Bimbo world tour, Combo on the Run documentary, Electric Fun Music Festival
In 2020, Noisemakers produced a third tribute album to Eraserheads titled Pop Machine the Album, featuring reinterpretations by artists such as Lola Amour, Oh, Flamingo!, and Reese Lansangan.
By September 2022, the band announced their third reunion concert in the Philippines. Named “Huling El Bimbo,” it took place at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City on December 22, 2022, attracting approximately 75,000 fans. Their setlist included a full performance of the album Cutterpillow during the opening segment and closed with “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” which featured guest appearances from artists like Gary Valenciano and a hologram of Francis M. This concert was later released as a live album on streaming services in March 2024.
Between 2023 and 2025, Eraserheads embarked on an international tour covering locations such as the United States, Canada, Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, New Zealand, and Australia. Select concerts included special guest performances by musicians like Medwin Marfil (True Faith), Perf de Castro (ex-Rivermaya guitarist), Jay Contreras (Kamikazee), and Maysh Baay (Moonstar88).
In November 2022, Esquire Philippines honored them as Artists of the Year. They were awarded the Gawad Oblation by UP in August 2024 and served as headliners for UAAP Season 87’s opening ceremony in September 2024. Later that year, they made an unexpected appearance at UP’s Sunken Garden to celebrate championship-winning university teams.
The documentary Eraserheads: Combo on the Run debuted in Philippine theaters in March 2025, documenting the band’s history leading up to their reunion. The group also revealed plans for the Electric Fun Music Festival scheduled for early 2026 at SMDC Festival Grounds. Originally planned for May 31, 2025, then rescheduled to October 18, 2025, it was postponed due to changing circumstances. Within the documentary was a preview of new material later identified as "Get This Love Thing Down," an unreleased track from the Carbon Stereoxide era. Buendia confirmed at a press event that the band remains committed to continuing their journey. Meanwhile, Adoro temporarily withdrew from forthcoming projects amid sexual abuse allegations but subsequently declared his innocence and expressed intentions to perform with the group again.
Band lineup
- Ely Buendia – main vocals, rhythm and lead guitar
- Buddy Zabala – backing vocals, bass guitar, keyboard instruments
- Marcus Adoro – lead and backing vocals, lead guitar
- Raimund Marasigan – lead and backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Supporting musicians
- Noel Garcia - keyboardist
- Mike Dizon - session drummer
- Kris Gorra-Dancel - lead vocals, rhythm guitarist
- Jazz Nicolas - keyboards, rhythm guitar, drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Romel "Sancho" Sanchez - session guitarist
Albums
- Ultraelectromagneticpop! (1993)
- Circus (1994)
- Cutterpillow (1995)
- Fruitcake (1996)
- Sticker Happy (1997)
- Natin99 (1999)
- Carbon Stereoxide (2001)
Fictional works
- Run Barbi Run (1995)
Documentaries and concert recordings
- Eraserheads: The Reunion Concert (2008)
- Eraserheads Live! The Final Set (2009)
- Pop-U-Mentary (2010)
- Eraserheads: Combo on the Run (2025)
Honors and recognitions
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Rock & Rhythm Magazine | Album of the Year | Ultraelectromagneticpop! | Template:Won |
| 1994 | 1st NU Rock Awards | Album of the Year | Template:Won | |
| 7th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a New Duo/Group | "Ligaya" | Template:Won | |
| 1995 | 2nd NU Rock Awards | Listener's Choice Award | Eraserheads | Template:Won |
| Band of the Year | Template:Won | |||
| Album of the Year | Circus | Template:Won | ||
| Guillermo Memorial Award | Most Favorite Band | Eraserheads | Template:Won | |
| 1996 | 3rd NU Rock Awards | Album of the Year | Cutterpillow | Template:Won |
| Best Music Video | "Ang Huling El Bimbo" | Template:Won | ||
| Song of the Year | Template:Won | |||
| 9th Awit Awards | Album of the Year | Cutterpillow | Template:Won | |
| 2nd Katha Music Awards | Album of the Year | Template:Won | ||
| Best Rock Album | Template:Won | |||
| Best Rock Song | "Ang Huling El Bimbo" | Template:Won | ||
| Best Rock Group | Eraserheads | Template:Won | ||
| 1997 | 4th NU Rock Awards | Artist of the Year | Template:Won | |
| Listener's Choice Award | Template:Won | |||
| Producer of the Year | Robin Rivera (Fruitcake) | Template:Won | ||
| Best Album Packaging | Fruitcake | Template:Won | ||
| Best Video | "Fruitcake" | Template:Won | ||
| 3rd Katha Music Awards | Best Album Packaging | Fruitcake | Template:Won | |
| Best Rock Vocal Performance | "Fruitcake" | Template:Won | ||
| 10th Awit Awards | Best Alternative Recording | Template:Won | ||
| Monster Radio 93.1 : Countdown Top 7 | Most Popular Group/Singer/Entertainer | Eraserheads | Template:Won |
Bibliography
- Pillbox, Volume 1, Number 1, 1996. Issued by Pop Infinity Limited Laundry Corporation.
- Fruitcake, edited by Jessica Zafra with illustrations by Cynthia Bauzon. Published by Anvil Corporation, Inc., 1997.
- Pillbox, Volume 3, 1998. Released by BMG Records Pilipinas.
- Tikman Ang Langit: An Anthology on the Eraserheads, assembled by Melvin Calimag and Jing Garcia. Visual Print Enterprises, 2007.
- Alternate Endings: The Making of The Final Set and The Unmaking of an Era, written by Aldus Santos with design work by Gelo Lagasca. Offshore Music, 2020.
External links
- [ AllMusic Biography of Eraserheads]
- Eraserheads Experience Blog
- Schizo-Archives: Eraserheads